Seaford inflict Brighton’s first Sussex loss for EIGHT years

The first XV, who haven’t lost since the opening weekend of the season, continued their good form with a hard-fought 22-13 home victory, while the U14A side fared even better with a 27-0 win.

In horrendous conditions we did what we needed to do, played the right game that suited the conditions to come away with the win.

Edward Bowden

The Brighton College first XV had also been riding high going into the game after beating Champions Trophy finalists Epsom College, but they were unable to match Seaford’s spirited and savvy display.

Seaford 1st XV No8 Jake McQuade, who scored a late try to cement the victory, said: “It was a really spectacular win. The match was fairly even and I think the win came down to the team at Seaford wanting it more on the day. We were fired up.”

College head of rugby Edward Bowden added: “In horrendous conditions we did what we needed to do, played the right game that suited the conditions to come away with the win.

“The boys’ passion was evident throughout with a really good team effort. It’s the two biggest teams in Sussex coming up against each other, so it was a really good day.”

Headmaster John Green, who was part of a sizeable crowd that braved the weather to cheer Seaford on, said: “It was a superb game from the first to the last whistle. There was an amazing team spirit in evidence.”

Headmaster’s wife Sian Green, an avid follower of Seaford’s rugby teams, added: “It was a really exciting match to watch and I felt emotionally drained by the end.”

Seaford followed the win with another big victory – 66-7 over Churcher’s College from Petersfield.

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